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2.4 PulseScan (Pulse Arrhythmia) Technology
PulseScan (ARR) technology specifically detects the existence of pulse arrhythmia, including Atrial
Fibrillation (AFib), Atrial and / or Ventricular Premature Contractions (PC), Tachycardia (TACH),
and Bradycardia (BRAD). Pulse Arrhythmia may be related to cardiac disorders, needs medical
attention and thus early diagnosis is of paramount importance. The PulseScan technology detects
arrhythmia during regular blood pressure checks without any additional user skills, user interaction
and measurement prolongation. Beside the blood pressure diagnosis a specific pulse arrhythmia
diagnosis is provided with PulseScan.
Note:
PulseScan screens for AFib, PC, TACH and BRAD is provided with a clinically proven high
detection probability [1]. However, the sensitivity and specificity is limited, thus most, but
not all pulse arrhythmia will be detected and displayed. In certain patients with uncommon
clinical conditions the PulseScan technology may not be able to detect pulse arrhythmia.
This partly comes from the fact that some arrhythmia can only be found with an ECG
diagnosis, but not with a pulse diagnosis. Thus PulseScan is not meant to replace any
medical ECG diagnosis by your doctor. PulseScan provides an early detection of certain
pulse arrhythmia, which inevitably need to be presented to your doctor in charge. Remark:
[1] Clinical Investigation of PulseScan - A new Oscillometric Pulse Arrhythmia Type
Discriminating Detection Technology
2.5 Atrial Fibrillation Detection (AFib)
The upper chambers of the heart (the atria) do not contract, but quiver and thus blood is driven
irregularly and with lower efficiency into the ventricles. Subsequently irregular heartbeats occur,
which mostly are associated with a fast, yet highly instable heart rate. This condition is associated
with a higher risk for the formation of cardiac blood clots. Amongst others, they may elevate the
risk of brain strokes. Beside this Atrial Fibrillation may contribute to the severity of a chronic or
acute heart failure condition and may be associated with other heart-related complications. Age
dependent, about 10%- 20% of patients who suffer from an ischemic stroke also suffer from Atrial
Fibrillation.
Atrial Fibrillation most often initially occurs with temporary periods of arrhythmia and may progress
to a permanent state of this disorder in the course of time. No matter, whether you intent to
safeguard yourself from an undetected AFib state, or you measure during an ongoing period of
active Atrial Fibrillation, or you measure in between periods of AFib, the PulseScan technology can
be applied at any of these conditions. This unit is able to detect Atrial Fibrillation
AFib
. The
ARR
and
AFib
icons are displayed right after the measurement if Atrial Fibrillation was detected.
Note:
It is strongly recommended, that you consult your physician, if either the AFib icon occurs
several times, or, if your AFib is known to your doctor, but the incidence of AFib readings
changes over time. Your doctor will then be able to provide all required medical test and
possible therapeutic procedures.
Note:
The presence of a cardiac pacemaker may impair the AFib detection by PulseScan.
